In class we have discussed the significance of the Silk Road as a beginnging point for globalization. When we think of globalization as the sharing of ideas and cultures in a cause and effect modality, then we can then see how Mercantilism, Imperialism, and Capitailism are all ideologies, or theories of ideas, that brought about the modern world culture we live in today. Connecting the dots of this tangled web we live in can be a daunting job, but when we take each thread on its own, identify, examine, and discuss its roots and its current effects, then we can stand back and view that same tangled web with understanding.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Today we talked about active reading. As a class, we hit upon many different advantages, aspects, and results of this new way of being accountable for our learning. Considered effort begets a deeper understanding of what these words in front of us mean! When we understand the information offered we can then make connections between concepts, ideas, and events; those connections, in turn, create a deeper level of understanding that allows you to see the bigger picture of the topic at hand... for related issue 1, that bigger picture is what you need to be able to see in order to explain the EXTENT to which the concepts, ideas, and events of GLOBALIZATION impacts our IDENTITY! Whew! that was a mouthful.

...active reading:
summarize each paragraph
highlight key words and phrases
circle words you do not know
... then look them up and write down the definition!
read it again

Looks like a lot of work? yup, it is... at first. The more you practice, the better you get ....at seeing the key words right away ...at looking words up in a dictionary ... at understanding what you are reading at a level where you are going to be able to recall what you have read and make connections during class discussions!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

ac·count·a·bil·i·ty [uh-koun-tuh-bil-i-tee]–noun1.the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable.

In social studies we weave a web of connections from the various aspects of globalization: social, political, economic, technological, environmental, cultural, and historical. For us to be able to make sense of this tangled web we need to understand each thread on its own first, then connect them to view the bigger picture with understanding.

The role of a student carries with it certain responsibilities; the main one being, "learn." We all are unique individuals, so it makes sense that we all learn in different ways. So awareness of how best you learn, of where you are strong in your learning, and where you need to improve in your learning is how you begin show accountablility. As the definition states, in being accountable you are answerable... in this case you are answerable to yourself, and your parents, in terms of the grades you earn. (and just to be clear, marks place a route marker to show your level of understanding and your capablility to communicate that understanding at that time. They also, from my feedback, provide a pathway to improvement.)

SO, how do you show accountability for your learning? Well, it helps to be aware of your studying issues that, if worked on, will allow you to recall information when needed, connect concepts to get a sense of the bigger picture, and communicate those ideas with consice writing. Setting goals, specific goals that are attainable and have meaning for you, will help you to participate in discussions, answer questions, and weave a web of understanding of your own.

Monday, January 24, 2011

What is globalization? What does this word mean to you? How does it affect your life? Where do you see it around you? When did it begin? All these questions swirl around as you begin to see the complexity of the topic. Let's answer these questions and bring the picture into focus through deciphering political cartoons, using film studies to analyze the main issues, and connecting the dots of a facsinating historical timeline... allons y!